Craving a mouthwatering dish that transports you straight to the heart of Italy without leaving your kitchen? Get ready to revolutionize your summer meal prep with this show-stopping Italian Sub Pasta Salad! Packed with zesty salami, creamy provolone, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick and delicious lunch, this pasta salad promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 pound salami, diced
- 1/2 pound provolone cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, drain and prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red onion, and slice the black olives.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and sliced black olives.
- Dice the salami and cube the provolone cheese, then add to the pasta and vegetable mixture.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents mushy pasta and helps the salad stay fresh.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the pasta salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the Italian dressing to marinate the ingredients and intensify the taste.
- Ingredient Freshness Matters: Use high-quality salami and provolone for the most authentic Italian sub experience. Fresh vegetables will also elevate the overall taste.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preference. Pepperoncini, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of dried oregano can add extra zing.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This pasta salad actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
